IMAGE OF MANICOUAGAN CRATER

Scientists have calculated that the Manicouagan Crater is approximately 206 to 214
million years old. It is one of the largest ones found preserved in pretty
good shape on Earth. Unlike other craters found elsewhere on Earth, the
atmosphere and its eroding have not damaged the crater significantly.

Manicouagan CraterCanada

The
crater itself has been measured to about 70 kilometers in diameter. However,
erosion has been able to chip away the original outer rim of the crater.
Scientists have been able to determine that the original rim was about 100
kilometers wide. There is a lake shaped like a ring in the crater. The
impacted rock in its center which is made of metamorphic and igneous rock is
more resistent to erosion than the surrounding material. It is also partly
covered with impact melts and scientists have found shattered cones.
Much of the information
gathered helps scientists understand the process in which craters are formed
and determine structural information on craters on other planets in the
solar system.